Pretty. Damned. Fast. was founded in Brooklyn, New York, but our love for cycling and our contributors are world wide. Want to contribute, advertise, or just say hi? Shoot us an email or show us some love on Instagram.

Nov 19 Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Obsessed is not a strong enough word for how much I like bags. Backpacks, tote bags, duffel bags, messenger bags, back packs, backpacking bags… you name it, I either have it or want it.

I grew up in Idaho, always outdoors, camping, hiking, biking, rafting. We sort of did it all in my family. So when I was about to head out on a trip in the Sierra’s with Dead Reckoning/ Yonder Journal this summer where I would be riding from the Nevada border to Fresno, California and have to carry my bike on my back for 30 miles I knew I needed a bag light, but still strong enough to carry my bike and all my gear strapped to it.

I reached out to Hyperlite Mountain Gear. When it comes to lightweight and durable backpacking and camping gear they are the ones to go to. For Dead Reckoning, I used the 2400 Southwest Pack along with the Flat Tarp. It was the perfect set up. I ended up one of the only people that didn't have any issues with their pack. Excited to try out more of their products, when they asked if I would try out the new messenger style bag, I was all for it.

I used the bag for about a month, traveling with it and using it as my everyday carryall. I work from home now and don’t have a commute anymore but I do travel a lot and my biggest pet peeve is being on a 16 hour travel day and lugging around a heavy bag from airport to airport.

When I got the bag in the mail, I thought it had be something else because the package was way to light to be a bag. I was wrong. The bag was light and look compact (which is good for a day pack). I like to carry my shoes, helmet, a change of clothes, and my pedals with me on a flight because I don't trust the airlines. Nervous at first, I didn't know if it would all fit with my computer, book, notepad and other carry on things, but the bag fit everything. It has great organization with out going full on pocket overload. The bottom of the bag has a sort of plastic base which gives it a very sturdy feel and is so light I was able to pack a few extra things in it with out overloading myself. It fits perfect under the seat in front of you, and folds up when you want to put it away.

The straps are comfortable and padded giving extra support and the tightening and release mechanism is easy and holds well. I would do away with the waist stability strap, since it's not really needed.

All in all, I really like this bag for travel and on the bike. The white is visible and the reflective accents add to visibility and added safety.